Samuel Buckland Campground

About

Samuel Buckland Campground sits within Fort Churchill State Historic Park, home to the adobe ruins of a U.S. Army fort built in 1860 to protect early settlers and Pony Express riders. The campground is named after Samuel Buckland, who homesteaded this valley in 1859 and operated a way station along the Carson River Trail, providing supplies and safe haven to travelers, emigrants, and soldiers. The 20 campsites are shaded by large cottonwood trees along the Carson River, offering a peaceful retreat in the high desert of Lyon County. Sites can accommodate tents, travel trailers, and motorhomes up to 45 feet, with many pull-through options available. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill. Water spigots are distributed throughout the campground, though not at individual sites. Vault toilets serve the camping area, and a dump station is located near the campground entrance. Recreational opportunities include exploring the preserved fort ruins, hiking the nature trail, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing along the Carson River. The park's visitor center provides historical exhibits about the fort's role in the Pony Express era and early Nevada settlement.

Directions

From US Route 50, take US Route 95 Alternate south for approximately 8 miles. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway.